Social enterprises are a newer concept among entrepreneurs. These businesses strive to raise enough money to pay the bills, while simultaneously providing jobs to unemployable or tough to employ individuals. These enterprises typically enjoy very little profit.
Benefit Chicago is a group of organizations who have come together to provide 100 million dollars as startup or expansion money to benefit social enterprises. These organizations, the MacArthur Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, and Calvert Foundation are investing their money to bolster social enterprises and to provide more employment opportunities for those in need.
Social enterprises are a great tool to combat high unemployment rates. These enterprises are beginning to grow across the United States. Surprisingly, these enterprises are gaining support on both sides of government, which should provoke growth in this segment.
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
Three social enterprises were recognized at the 2013 President’s Challenge Social Enterprise Award for their major contributions to society. SATA CommHealth and Bliss Restaurant landed Social Enterprise of the Year titles, while Bettr Barista Coffee Academy bagged the award for Social Enterprise Start-up of the Year.